Ridden and Rated - Six Takes on the Multi-Tool

Every rider should have a good multi-tool on board. Most do, but if you are the exception, or your folding wrench set looks like it was salvaged from a shipwrecked Spanish galleon, this month's "Ridden and Rated" compares six original takes on the ubiquitous multi-tool. Our selection includes basic folders, shape-shifting levers, hide-away kits, and a cage combo - one of which is sure to pique your interest. If you already own the perfect tool, then rate yours against the winners of this riveting feature.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that
supports HTML5 video

OneUp's EDC Tool System (Every Day Carry) has pretty much everything you might need trail-side to keep your bike rolling. And, because the entire tool nests down into your fork's steerer tube (or in the handle of the large-sized OneUp mini-pump), it'll be there every day that you might need it, hence the name. The EDC Tool System retails for $59.00 USD and weighs 116-grams, including the new top cap (an additional $25.00 USD) and the plastic plug for the bottom of the steerer tube.

To install it, OneUp's $35.00 USD EDC Tap Kit is also a requirement, as you need to cut threads into the ID of the steerer tube. (Check your LBS for a tap kit, as it's a one-time job.) If you decide that you'd rather store it in the handle of OneUp's 100cc mini-pump instead of your steerer tube, you can skip the EDC Tap Kit and spring for the $59.00 USD pump instead.

The F15 is the most feature-packed option in Crankbrothers' F-series tool lineup, with, you guessed it, 15 functions (16 if you count the built-in bottle opener). One side of the magnetic case holds a tool with ten bits on it, and the other holds a chain breaker that can be flipped over to double as a spoke wrench. The F15 is an elegant and effective multi-tool, capable of saving the day in a wide range of situations.

The MatchBox Tailor HV1.5 is a bottle cage armed with a slim, two-compartment sliding tool drawer and a high-volume mini-pump. Slide the tray out and all of your essential tools are organized and at the ready. One drawer houses a well-made folding tool with the basic Allens, Torx and screwdriver bits. The other tool is a chain-breaker with two built-in spoke keys (splined and standard), an 8 mm Allen adapter, and a magnetic quick-link holder. When working on the bike, the tools you don't need stay on the tray - not strewn in the dirt.

• Additional height added to cage may not fit many frames.• Missing popular 6mm Allen key

All In Multi-Tool

• Multi-tool that can be stored inside hollow crank axles with 21mm or larger diameters.• Six different tool bits• Split-link storage• Six colors• Weight: 113 grams• Made in Italy• MSRP: €87.50 / $98.20 USD• All In

The All In multi-tool is part of the rapidly growing batch of tools that can be stored on or in your steed. This one makes use of the hollow space inside a crank axle — magnets around the tool retain it securely inside most steel bottom bracket axles. It can store six standard bit drivers and a spare chain split link. The cylindrical tool body doubles as a driver handle and its swivel tip also converts it into a lever. One hundred percent made in Italy, it's available in seven anodized colors and can be delivered to your door for $98 USD.

The Ringtool is a study in minimalism—despite weighing about as much as a couple car keys, the nickel-plated, stainless steel widget sports the most common allen wrenches, a T25 driver, two screwdrivers and, of course, a bottle opener. Feel free to roll your eyes; it seems like everything these days, from ballet slippers to ball-peen hammers, comes equipped with a bottle opener. Then again, if something has to ubiquitous, it might as well be a tool for slaying beer. .

The Mini Bar's L-handle is welded from lightweight steel tubing, which is then nickel plated. All three ends of the L-handle accept standard 1/4-inch tool bits, retained by powerful neodymium magnets. The Mini Bar comes with ten popular bits, so you can customize its six-tool plastic carrier to suit your bike's hardware. Magnets also secure the bits and carrier to the L-handle. the Mini bar offers much more leverage than a folding tool for jobs like removing a pedal or a crank arm, and far more dexterity for accessing hard-to-reach hardware.

• Tubular L-handle doubles as a lever and a screwdriver • Useful for pedals and crank bolts• Rounded design packs well

• Heavy• No spoke key or chain breaker

Which is the Best Tool For You?

Six very different multi-tools made it difficult for us to come up with a clear winner. If the only criteria was the most useful multi-tool for the average enthusiast, the win would be split between the Crankbrothers F15, because its extensive range of useful tools suits experienced mechanics - and the Syncros Matchbox Tailor HV1.5, because it includes all the basic essentials: pump, chainbreaker, folding tool and bottle cage.

Pinkbike riders, for the most part, have better-than-average experience and thus, more specific requirements. So, to more sharply focus the judging process, we divided riders between those who ride with hydration packs and those who don't.

Hydration pack? Crankbrothers' F15 Multi-Tool wins this one. If you wear a pack, you'll have no qualms about storing bulky items like a separate CO2 kit, or a pump to cover inflation duties. The F15's layout is far more useful than a simple folder, with the case doubling as a lever and the handiness of its detachable chain/spoke tool. It's a little heavy for cargo bibs, but perfectly suited for pack pockets. The honorable mention goes to the Mineral Designs Mini Bar. With its versatile L-handle, expandable bit selection, and superior leverage, it's a no-nonsense, pro-level tool for trail guides or back-country tourists, who must often make extensive field repairs.

Cargo bibs? Riders whose bodies are too good for a pack should not have an issue with threading their fork's steerer tubes to adapt OneUp's EDC tool system. It's pricey, but the EDC tool costs less than a pair of cargo bibs and has everything you'd need to cover an average-length ride, including storage for an inflater. But, the EDC goes one step further. By removing those unsightly folders and C02 devices that you once taped to your frame, OneUp's slender hide-away multi-tool will make your bike look almost as great as that ripped torso trying to break free from your jersey.

I still have the same old boring multi-tool that I purchased 15 years ago that fits neatly in with my folded tube. I guess I'm behind the times because it looks like nowadays making modifications to your steerer is the way to spend your Saturday morning.

As a highly satisfied OneUp EDC in-the-steerer owner, if I had it to do it over again, I'd get the pump, for four reasons: 1) switches between bikes 2) no need for the tap kit / topcap 3) it has a CO2 inflator tip, which the other doesn't, and 4) now you have a pump AND a cool tool. I just did the other because I got a deal on the group buy. Much better than the Matchbox, IMO.

What happens when you want to get a new bike? I see 3 options: 1) You keep your fork w/ the tool and swap it to the new bike. 2) You keep the tool and sell your bike to someone w/ a fork that they cannot use a star nut on (so basically they have to put on a different fork or buy another OneUp tool). 3) You sell the complete bike w/ the OneUp tool and start over.

IIRC to install this tool, you remove the star nut and carve into the inside of the steerer tube. I can't imagine a star nut being able to work after doing this.

@bforwil: option 4) Top caps are available individually. You remove the tool and the plug and sell the bike as one-up 'EDC ready'no need to replace a star nut when the oneup topcap works without the tool in place

@abzillah: Sorry to see that ejection. The issue is that the oring is/was not fully engaged. Apply a small amount of oil or grease to the o-ring to allow it to easily engage with the retaining lip.h the retaining lip.

@OneUpComponents: I did that - I have multiple bikes and installed the EDC tool cap in each so I can switch. Brilliant EXCEPT on road trips where the open steer tube on the one bike gathers all sorts of road grime. Please put out some sort of cap which pops into the open steer tube to prevent this. Currently have to resort to ghetto ways of trying to cover the steer tube. I've put 18,000kms of road tripping this past summer/fall and this remains an issue. But thank you for the innovations and kick ass products!!!

@foggnm: I have to agree with you here. While the One-Up in the steerer solution would be at the top of my list if I had the money to spend, I honestly can absolutely not justify the investment to replace something that I use on (way) less than 5% of my rides. My multitool spends most of it's time inside my backpack... that being said, in the well over 5 years since I've started using a torque wrench and threadlock compound on a regular basis, I can simply not recall the last time a screw came loose... (introspective moment begins..) now I'm questioning everything. f*ck, thanks a lot.

@Boardlife69: It's not funny. Once during an MTB festival I received a beer as a bonus (freebie?) to a jersey that I purchased. It was hot so I wanted to drink this beer, but I didn't have bottle opener. So I went to the Shimano stand thinking that it's the best place to have a bottle opened, with all that tools, technically minded guys etc. But no way, they looked surprised and said they can't help me. Unfortunately there was no Park Tool stand as they would surely have BO2. So I went to some random stand and a guy opened the bottle with a door key. Now I love my F15 and don't trust Shimano technology.

@TheR: It is not a pain. I have done a few. Takes less than 5 minutes including taking the star nut out. I agree with @zsandstrom only down is now CO2 nozzle which is pretty dumb really, I still have to pack one of those around. I would also go pump in the future on any other new bike it is going to be moved too. Contemplate putting star nuts back in the steerer and getting the pump anyways.

That Oneup tool is real dumb. You can't clamp the stem where the threads are, so the stem needs to be lowered (I think you need 30 or 40mm of space above the stem according to Oneup.) Soooooo what about everyone out there who already has their stem height dialled and the steerer cut to the correct length.

@wallheater: I agree. If we want to get technical I would think that the threads actually create more surface area thus making that area stronger, any engineers care to weigh in? Besides the point, a uniform fine thread cut into your steer tube is way cleaner and safer THAN A STAR NUT GOUGING OUT MATERIAL WHILE BEING HAMMERED IN!! I'm not affiliated with Oneup in any way but I'll defend this product all day.

The EDC tool is great. Its now on my second bike. Installation requires tapping the inside of your steerer tube, which if you have any mechanical ability, is no problem at all. Plus, I'm sure most shops will have the tap by now if you want them to do it. Its such a sense of freedom knowing that you never have to search for your multitool again because its always attached to your bike. It has saved us on many occasions. Oh and if you want to save money, get some friends to share the cost of the tap.

@foggnm: Yep. I've still got my original Topeak Alien which my wife (girlfriend at the time) gave me in 1998. Lives in my pack so it's with me no matter which MTB I'm riding (have more minimalist tool for the roadie that lives in the saddle bag). Has a few redundant tools on it so it's heavier than it needs to be, but otherwise hasn't missed a beat. Tools are good enough quality that for a long time I used it at home as well as on the trail. Still don't own any other chain breaker.

EDC tool is stupid as fuck, Cassette lockring tool to tighten headset, I prefer a proper mini Park Chain tool and Allenkey set. Multitools are not as functional on the trail side, they may get it fixed, but it is a pain in the ass,

@dsut4392: I remember thinking my Alien was way too expensive when I bought it way back when. At this point I bet it's cost me pennies per use. Really like having a good sturdy knife blade on the multi tool. Don't need one often but when you do it's hard to find a substitute trailside.

@royalsrule: you're basically totally right, but I've never opened a bottle with something else than a bottle opener so I admit I was a bit lost. And the only thing I had was a lift pass. This is why I asked Shimano guys for help, hoping they will use even a stupid screwdriver. But apparently they were overwhelmed too

i absolutely love mine. They also missed that you can have one tool and install the cap on all your bikes. I have one tool and two bikes both with the cap. I just put it on the bike I’m going to ride. So it actually isn’t limited to one bike.

I think multitools are the only thing crank bro has done well. I have one from 2010 or 2011, and I have used it many times and it's still in perfect shape. But it makes me think they probably dont make much money selling multi tools if they last 10-20 years ?

@bblaney372: - My old M tool and my Pica tool rusted over time but they still function fine. I've had the F tool for about 8 months and it still looks brand new despite jostling around in my bag and being used on multiple occasions.

@RichardCunningham not sure why the edc is negatively reviewed as being "dedicated to one bike" when it pops in and pops out in a jiffy.1 tool, multiple top cap kits at $25 and you can use the same tool on whichever bike you choose to ride..you can only ride one bike at a time right.. thats like saying your waterbottle is one bike dedicated what with the effort it takes to remove it and slide it into the other bikes cage www.oneupcomponents.com/products/edc-top-cap

@stella10: It is more science fiction from Pinkbike. I am ready to bet that they did not even install the One Up, nor actually "tested" these tools (really ... testing tools is kind of ridiculous anyway .. they all work the same).

@stella10: I am not sure what strange math brings to thinking that you get half the tools (unless you count things like a chain link as a "tool") and I am not sure for what you would need a 2.5 mm, but anyway if you don't like it buy something else. I almost got the EDC mysels, get that one.

PS not that I care, but the EDC is actually more expensive than the Lezyne: the tool is $59, the cap is $25 and if you don't have the tool to thread your steerer tube it is another $35: total $119. My Lezyne carbon 10 was $79 on Amazon. It actually works wonderfully, small, powerful enough to take a pedal down, and ultra-light.

Everyone loves to hate specialized... But my Enduro kicks ass here.. Tube, pump, c02, small first aid kit, small water filter and food all in the Swat box, multi tool on the bottle cage and chaintool and spare chain link in the top cap.. I don't have to use a bag unless I am going out for a huge epic ride.

Boom! This. I have the Fuse Expert Carbon, so same thing but I have 2 bottle cages. 48 ounces of water, tools, tube, pump, tubeless plugs, tire boot, and first aid or food all on the bike. Extra food and a 3rd bottle in the Jersey pockets if its a big ride. Win!

@andnyleswillriot: I could give zero f*cks about that additional few pounds of tools on my frame, not having a bag strapped to my body is worth it.... My XL E29 with 2.6 tires it 32.3lbs with all my stuff hanging in it.. And its a do it all bike that I could do a epic ride or race a downhill course on, all without needing to carry a bag.. So I couldn't care about those few pounds of "frame weight"

Everything I need, 20€, something like 140g. fits well in a pocket or bag obviously.Quality tools, strong... Maybe the integrated tire levers aren't the best, but at this size I don't think there's room for improvement

+1 for Topeak. Even better bang-per-gram&buck: $29 Topeak Mini 20 Pro: more functions than everything in PB articl just 150g. My fav ultralight combo, $17 Topeak Mini 9 (90g) + Finish Line Chain Pup (30g, sadly discontinued). Both of these options include chain breakers, spoke tools, & keys for any fastener you'd ever touch on the trail. Hold up great too, had two Topeak Minis in service for almost a decade each.

Am I the only one who sees the cnak brothers as the best option though? I have a previous version and couldnt be happier with it, and it's the only one that has all! just remember to take it with you like a helmet and it's done.

@stefanfresh: I had a Crankbrothers multi-tool that didn't fare so well. The Park Tools one has proven itself to be sturdier. Perhaps the CB one I had was an outlier - but after that experience, I'd have a hard time spending more for something of lower quality.

The Mineral Mini Bar is a quality tool. It may not have 123 functions on it, but it feels solid. Its closer to a real tool than something you kludge your bike out of the woods with.

Also, Crank Brothers catches a lot of flak (and rightfully so) but their multi-tools are among the best. They do seem to rust and "weather" after a while though. For something that sits in the dark corners of my pack most of the time, it looks like it was on the bottom of the ocean. Still works great and has the best mix of stuff to get you out of the woods in an emergency while taking up a minimal amount of space.

I have the One Up EDC tool in their mini pump, absolutely love it. Did add extra height to my water bottle cage, but I already couldn't fit a water bottle due to the piggy back on my shock,so who cares. And most importantly the One Up green matches my bike.

I'd like to see some comparison to how all the bits measure out. Are those hex keys really measuring at what they claim they are? I've used some cheap tools that have fit snug and some name branders that have fit loose. Really don't care what brand they are as long as the fit is good.

lezyne v10 that I keep in my pocket. has more tools than most of these and doesn't require me to cut threads or other equipment so as to fit it on my bike. costs less than most of these as well. what is with the current trend of expensive tools that don't include some of the essential tools than you need. if I am on a longer ride over 25miles I carry spare quick links just to get me home and a very small evoc pack with a pump and a water bottle but I understand a lot of people don't like riding with a pack.

Rocking a Topeak Alien, have been for over a decade, its always with me no matter which bike I ride. Prefer using a camelback over bottles, bike has few cage mount points, so pack is always with me on every ride, as are pump, multitool, spare tube, snacks for the long ride, etc... wish it had a 2.5mm allen. Only real complaint. Would love one of those OneUp setups but it is hard to justify only using it on one bike. As my mtn bike would be the only thing it fits, not all my rides have 1-1/8" threadless steerers. Bottle openers are not required on a mutli tool, everything is a bottle opener, and having one ruins the game of where on my bike can I open my beer! Plus, Cans...

Love the nitpicking comments on how these might affect your weight distribution. Even if you weigh 110lbs/50kgs (and so many of us do) then a 150g multitool accounts for 0.3% of your mass. Figure a realistic weight then throw in a 10-15kg bike and it becomes even more marginal.

If you use the Ringtool as a pendant, be sure to wear a bullet-proof vest. The thought of it jamming into my sternum during a crash gives me shivers. (Or maybe I am just gun-shy due to a bad crash I had recently when my stem broke a couple of ribs.)

Still FixIt sticks FTW!
Super light
Just enough to fix anything on a ride. Super convenient bottle cage mount. Specialized SWAT chain breaker and master link in steering head, Lezyne pump on bottle cage mount and you are good to go if tubeless.

Which works best for you? ... Of these ones, none they all look shite!!Where are the Park tools or Lezyne multi's? I mean ones that don't stick in my bike and I lose it after I whack it on the ground trying something I know I shouldn't! Or a weird awkward shape that knacks my cold hand!

All in multi tool every time. Even though there is only space for 6 bits, you can actually load a 7th into the end and it still fits inside the crank axle. I swapped out the screwdriver bit for a T25 and added a 2.5mm, bits are only a few quid from eBay. If it's good enough for Enduro world champion Sam Hill, it's good enough for me!!!! #fanboi

Backcountry Research Mutherload strap, Tulbag and only the most necessary items. Two allen keys, a star key, strips of bacon with insert tool and a C02 cartridge and dispenser. Mounts to your frame, easy to use and the weight is where it should be, low.
Done and done

I am always reluctant to increase the mass of my bike. The lighter it is, the better it rides. On many rides I don't get more than 3 miles from the truck (like the one I will do this morning). I don't bring tools, tubes or pumps, and very occasionally I must walk out.

On rides where I am further afield, I bring a hydration pack with all the basics. The One-up system (in-pump) would be greatt for this, but not much better than what I have.

One observation, I have carried a small chain breaker and spare links for years, but I have never broken a chain. When it happens, I hope I will be able to figure out how to make the repair .

@OneUpComponents, do you intend to include a CO2 inflator in the steerer option? I'm pretty keen to hide my tools away however there seems little point if I have to carry an inflator or a pump. Seems like you missed a trick for the perfect do it all hidden tool. Having said that, it is by far the best I've seen to date!

i run a specialized chain break in the steerer, a water bottle cage with tool at the bottom (specialized and a backcountry strap for tube and co2. it sounds chunky but i dig it. I didnt like having to take the strap off everytime i or someone else needed a tool so the water bottle cage was an easy fix. the chain break is light weight and i have an extra master link in the top. works really well in my opinion.

Apart from allen keys as part of the same tool (Park I-beam) multi tools are a compromise. Personally give me some loose tools such as the i-beam, a Park mini chain brute ( This tool alone is good enough for shop use) and as for a spoke wrench, 4 sided Park wrench. That covers a lot of problems.

The Ritchey Multi-Tool is a goto for me and everyone in the shop that I worked at. Take a look at it. It is pretty much all I will take on a ride. 5 Nm torque wrench that comes with pretty much every bit you will need.

I personally like Blackburn's multi-tools. I'm actually a bit surprised that you didn't include the switch in this review. It would have made a lot of sense as it's different from all of them and still very functional.

Looks like a decent solution to the steerer tube mount, noticed others speaking of this item. Love the fact that its a co2 inflator and pump. Dont love the fact that you have to remove all your tools and bits to use the pump, increases the chance of leaving one behind on the side of the trail-hypothetical. I would still carry it in my pack, so it would still always be with me whichever bike I am on, that rocks, my toolkit could fit in the pump sleeve with the pump, more room for beer! Downside is it only works on presta valves, renders it useless for any of my bikes with schrader, and no I am not converting my vintage cruisers to presta Despite the downfalls-which are mostly personal issues, I may look into this setup!

Ive used the pedro multitool - pedros.com/products/toolsfor-the-ride/icm-multi-tool - for years now. I paid $25Aus for it and very happy with it.Tools are the right length that they are practical to use and the chainbreaker works really well.The tyre levers are flimsy but its not why i bought the tool.Doesn't have a fancy mounting system but fits easily in my pocket.

Haha taking into account rotational inertia increase due to 113g at the center of your bb... It is so close to zero, that if you want to go on that topic, I think that this "issue" is outweighed by the bonus of having the 113g sitting where you want the cog of your bike to be : at the bb area

I completely agree. The line up they've got going is top notch. Chain breaker, tire levers, torque limiters, all the bits you want, and the flexibility to generate enough torque to break almost anything loose. I ordered their new shooting and hunting kit purely for the bracket, which holds 18 bits in a very compact fashion. I wish they sold it on its own, but I got another set of sticks out of the deal so...cool.

Threading the ID of your steerer tube makes it weaker. Yes it works, yes there was likely some engineering done before hand by One Up to ensure the integrity of the component it not wagered, but still, at the end of the day this is detrimental to the strength of the product and for that reason I would never buy one period.